Friday, July 10, 2026

Cargo ship off British Columbia on fire as big storm approaches

Mariners have been advised to stay clear of the area as the 40 containers that had fallen overboard pose a significant risk to mariners.

• October 24, 2021

A fire broke out on Saturday on containers on a cargo ship carrying mining chemicals off British Columbia.

The Canadian Coast Guard said it is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to assess the situation, including environmental hazards.

Sixteen crew members have been evacuated from the MV Zim Kingston, while five remained on board to fight the fire, the Canadian Coast Guard said in a statement on Saturday.

“No injuries were reported,” Danaos Shipping Co., the company that manages the container ship, said in a statement on Sunday.

The fire “appears to have been contained,” and a salvage and fire extinguishing agency has been roped in to ensure the safe return of the vessel’s crew, Danaos said.

Ten containers were currently burning, the coast guard had earlier said, adding that the fire continued to spread but the ship itself was not on fire.

Meanwhile, the agency said it was working with its U.S. counterpart to track 40 containers that had fallen overboard, saying they pose a significant risk to mariners.

“Mariners are advised to stay clear of the area.

“Currently, there is no safety risk to people onshore; however, the situation will continue to be monitored,” the agency said.

Video obtained showed fire cascading down from the deck of the ship into the water.

The Zim Kingston reported on Friday that it had encountered rough weather west of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

“This is extremely concerning.

“The ship and containers are very close to Victoria, BC, and a big storm is forecast to hit tonight.

“We are worried this may be yet another environmental disaster,” said David Boudinot, president of Surfrider Foundation Canada, an environmental organisation.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

China's shoe factory

Heading 4

Dozens killed in China’s shoe factory blaze

State media reported that 242 people were inside the building when the fire broke out on the factory’s ground floor.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

NationWide

NCDC records rise in Lassa fever cases as death toll hits 221

The NCDC said the new confirmed cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Benue states.

Guns and live ammunition gifted by Erdogan

World

Turkey’s President Erdogan gifts NATO leaders guns, live ammunition after summit

The guns carried an inscription that read “Gumusay, the first revolver-type handgun produced in our country.”

LAGOS HIGH COURT

Lagos

Lagos businessman bags 28-month jail term for N822.4 million theft

The EFCC amended the charge against the suspect and his company after he opted for a plea bargain midway through the trial.

Nigerian passports

NationWide

Nigerian passport ranks 167th globally with visa-free access to 26 countries: Report

A new report says the Nigerian passport currently ranks 167th globally and provides visa-free access to 26 countries.

Children in Nigeria

NationWide

Orphanage managers urge sustained support for vulnerable children

They urged Nigerians to sustain support for vulnerable children through donations, volunteer services and other humanitarian interventions.